WORK has started on a major regeneration project for housing in Stockton town centre.

Working in partnership with Stockton Borough Council and the Homes and Communities Agency, Tees Valley Housing is building 117 new homes on the town centre site bounded by Dovecot Street, Hartington Road, St Bernard’s Road and Worthing Street.

The new development, West End Gardens, will feature a mix of two bedroom apartments and bungalows alongside two and three bedroom houses.

Martin Hawthorne, director of development and regeneration at Thirteen, the parent company of Tees Valley Housing, said: “This development is part of our strategy to increase the availability of quality, affordable rented housing in Stockton and across the Tees Valley.”

Councillor Steve Nelson, the council’s cabinet member for housing and community safety, said: “It is great to see work beginning on this new development which not only complements the major investment that is currently transforming the town centre but will see new and exciting places for people to live within the heart of Stockton.

“West End Gardens will be a stone’s throw from all Stockton has to offer - shopping, leisure facilities, fantastic events as well as good transport links.”